Lisandro Martinez (top) of Argentina vies with Breel Embolo of Switzerland during the quarter final match between Argentina and Switzerland at the 2026 FIFA World Cup at the Kansas City Stadium in Kansas City, the United States, July 11, 2026. (Xinhua/Xu Chang)
KANSAS CITY, United States, July 11 (Xinhua) -- Julian Alvarez and Lautaro Martinez scored in extra time as Argentina advanced to the World Cup semifinals on Saturday with a 3-1 win over 10-man Switzerland.
Alexis Mac Allister put the defending champion ahead by meeting Lionel Messi's corner at the near post and nodding into the far corner.
The Swiss equalized through Dan Ndoye's shot from a tight angle before Breel Embolo was sent off for a second booking with 18 minutes of normal time remaining.
Alvarez broke the deadlock in the 112th minute with a curling effort into the far corner that left goalkeeper Gregor Kobel with no chance.
Substitute Martinez extended the lead by firing home from close range after Thiago Almada's attempt was blocked by Kobel.
Argentina will meet England for a place in the final after Thomas Tuchel's side beat Norway 2-1 earlier on Saturday. ■
Nico Elvedi (L) of Switzerland vies with Julian Alvarez of Argentina during the quarter final match between Argentina and Switzerland at the 2026 FIFA World Cup at the Kansas City Stadium in Kansas City, the United States, July 11, 2026. (Xinhua/Xiao Yijiu)
Lionel Messi (L) of Argentina prepares to take a corner kick during the quarter final match between Argentina and Switzerland at the 2026 FIFA World Cup at the Kansas City Stadium in Kansas City, the United States, July 11, 2026. (Xinhua/Xiao Yijiu)
Referee Joao Pedro Silva Pinheiro (1st R) shows a yellow card to Breel Embolo of Switzerland (4th R) during the quarter final match between Argentina and Switzerland at the 2026 FIFA World Cup at the Kansas City Stadium in Kansas City, the United States, July 11, 2026. (Xinhua/Xu Chang)
Emiliano Martinez (R), goalkeeper of Argentina, and teammate Lisandro Martinez (C) vie with Breel Embolo of Switzerland during the quarter final match between Argentina and Switzerland at the 2026 FIFA World Cup at the Kansas City Stadium in Kansas City, the United States, July 11, 2026. (Xinhua/Xu Chang)
Emiliano Martinez (top), goalkeeper of Argentina, makes a save during the quarter final match between Argentina and Switzerland at the 2026 FIFA World Cup at the Kansas City Stadium in Kansas City, the United States, July 11, 2026. (Xinhua/Cao Can)
Lionel Messi (R) of Argentina competes during the quarter final match between Argentina and Switzerland at the 2026 FIFA World Cup at the Kansas City Stadium in Kansas City, the United States, July 11, 2026. (Xinhua/Xiao Yijiu)
Lionel Messi of Argentina is seen during the quarter final match between Argentina and Switzerland at the 2026 FIFA World Cup at the Kansas City Stadium in Kansas City, the United States, July 11, 2026. (Xinhua/Xiao Yijiu)
Alexis Mac Allister (1st L) of Argentina celebrates after scoring during the quarter final match between Argentina and Switzerland at the 2026 FIFA World Cup at the Kansas City Stadium in Kansas City, the United States, July 11, 2026. (Xinhua/Xiao Yijiu)
Leandro Paredes (bottom) of Argentina vies with Djibril Sow of Switzerland during the quarter final match between Argentina and Switzerland at the 2026 FIFA World Cup at the Kansas City Stadium in Kansas City, the United States, July 11, 2026. (Xinhua/Cao Can)
Alexis Mac Allister of Argentina celebrates after scoring during the quarter final match between Argentina and Switzerland at the 2026 FIFA World Cup at the Kansas City Stadium in Kansas City, the United States, July 11, 2026. (Xinhua/Li Ming)
Lionel Messi (L) and Nahuel Molina of Argentina compete during the quarter final match between Argentina and Switzerland at the 2026 FIFA World Cup at the Kansas City Stadium in Kansas City, the United States, July 11, 2026. (Xinhua/Li Ming)
Alexis Mac Allister of Argentina celebrates after scoring during the quarter final match between Argentina and Switzerland at the 2026 FIFA World Cup at the Kansas City Stadium in Kansas City, the United States, July 11, 2026. (Xinhua/Xiao Yijiu)
Alexis Mac Allister (C) of Argentina celebrates after scoring with teammate Lionel Messi (R) during the quarter final match between Argentina and Switzerland at the 2026 FIFA World Cup at the Kansas City Stadium in Kansas City, the United States, July 11, 2026. (Xinhua/Xiao Yijiu)
Alexis Mac Allister of Argentina celebrates after scoring during the quarter final match between Argentina and Switzerland at the 2026 FIFA World Cup at the Kansas City Stadium in Kansas City, the United States, July 11, 2026. (Xinhua/Li Ming)
Alexis Mac Allister (2nd R) of Argentina celebrates after scoring with teammate Lionel Messi (1st R) during the quarter final match between Argentina and Switzerland at the 2026 FIFA World Cup at the Kansas City Stadium in Kansas City, the United States, July 11, 2026. (Xinhua/Xiao Yijiu)
